Beloved Community,
Since transparency is a key value in the process of accountability, I’m writing an open letter to celebrate what we’ve accomplished in the last 10 months, and to announce my resignation from the ISTA accountability stream, (but not from ISTA), and share a vision for the future.
In light of my recent health issues, I’ve been soul searching and come to the difficult decision to step down, (effective this Equinox, 2023.) In my remaining month, l will be wrapping up and handing over all communications, project development, and decision-making to the capable hands of Laurie Handlers, Penny Goldsmith, and Crystal Dawn Morris (who stepped in during the transition to help build more team and look for my replacement.) It has been an honor to work with these inspiring visionaries.
Now that the beta process is in full swing, I want to celebrate some important milestones:
- Three courageous candidates are doing deep shadow work with support triads
- We posted a Public Announcement and started a live page on the webpage which will be updated seasonally with new developments: https://ista.life/projects/accountability-process
- We’ve written a 15-page accountability manual, with assessment forms.
- We have a new system for compiling feedback that separates appreciation, suggestions & complaints (and categorizes harms.)
- In the final month after announcing my resignation, I interviewed several candidates as possible replacements, hired outside consultants and created a final report with a detailed project plan and a vision for the future.
In closing, one of my greatest harvests has been that in order to see and integrate our collective shadow, we need outside reflections. For the future evolution of this stream, it is my hope that everyone involved continues to listen to BOTH the upwelling of the collective heart of ISTA core, as well as synergize with third-party outside consultants who are connected to cutting-edge teachings in accountability. This is an ongoing learning process, (not a destination) and I recommend that in-house education and communication continue, and we post transparent updates on our LIVE Webpage each quarter.
From the bottom of my heart, I do not take for granted all of the trust, support, and alignment that I have received from ISTA council, core, and the wider field. I am truly honored to contribute to this meaningful work as I feel it is essential to ISTA’s evolution as well as potentially culture-changing for the field of sacred sexuality.
In Service,
KamalaDevi (They/Them)
Official ISTA Accountability Process Statement Announcement (July, 2023)
On our new Accountability Process page you will find:
- An overview of the 5 step Accountability process
- A Note on Power and the Role of Safe Mediation
- Form A: 10 Question assessment
- Form B: Self Assessment
- FAQ
Feedback is welcome and will be considered for the next iteration. Please send your suggestions here: https://ista.life/feedback